Bigan
Key Takeaway
Bigan is classified as high hazard in Pennsylvania. It was completed in 1957 and is 69 years old. Its primary use is recreation. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 24 ft (taller than 52.7% in PA) |
| Dam Length | 1,838 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 210 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 55 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 16 acres |
| Drainage Area | 2 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1957 (69 years old) |
| NID ID | PA00237 |
Safety Information
Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.
Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?
Ownership
JOHN R. MERSCHAT
Private
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Bigan?
Bigan is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.
Who owns and operates Bigan?
Bigan is owned by JOHN R. MERSCHAT (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Bigan built?
Bigan was completed in 1957, making it 69 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.
What is the primary purpose of Bigan?
Bigan serves the following purposes: Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Bigan?
Bigan has a dam height of 24 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.
When was Bigan last inspected?
Bigan was last inspected on October 9, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.